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LPN scope of practice in Michigan



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Sep 16, 2008 03:18 PM

LPN scope of practice in Michigan


Hi all,

I am a new(er) LPN who will finish her RN in about 12 weeks! In the meantime, I am employed at long-term care facility and there is question regarding my scope of practice, what things I can and cannot do as a licensed practical nurse.

For example:

1. Can we pass oral medications without having taken any sort of test, such as NAPNES?

2. Are we allowed to transcribe verbal/telephone orders from a physician?

3. Are we allowed to flush PICC lines? We have a resident with a PICC line and we flush it q 12 hrs using saline and heparin.

4. Are we allowed to hang new IV antibiotics or monitor the IV without prior training?

5. Also, we do not always have an RN on site to supervise activities on off-shifts (2nd and 3rd shifts). Is this permissible?

Thanks for any info. I will be calling the State Board of Nursing tomorrow, but I just wondered if anyone could give me a heads-up in the meantime.


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No. 1
Old Sep 16, 2008, 04:39 PM

Default Re: LPN scope of practice in Michigan
The State of Michigan is one of those states that do not go into much detail when it comes to its Nurse Practice Act. We actually no longer have a nurse practice act per se but the Michigan Public Health Code is the law that defines the practice of nursing in Michigan. This law also creates the Board of Nursing for our state.

As far as LPN's the Michigan Public Health Code merely states, “Practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse” or “l.p.n.” means the practice of nursing based on less comprehensive knowledge and skill than that required of a registered professional nurse and performed under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, physician, or dentist. (see http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(uts...=mcl-333-17201). Pretty darn simple isn't it?

Anyway maybe I can take a shot at your questions but do talk to someone at the BON so you can get the definitive answer.

1. Technically, yes. You have learned pharmacology in your program so you should be able to pass oral meds.

2. Yes, the law states that LPN's are under supervision of a physician (or an RN or a dentist as the law states) so if the physician orders something, an LPN is qualified to transcribe and carry out the order written or verbal.

3. Now, I do not know if IV flushes and IV meds are part of the competencies included in an LPN program. I always thought they are not. However, I think that is where NAPNES comes in. I believe NAPNES offers IV lines and drug management courses for LPN's and that's how they can practice IV lines and drug management.

4. Same answer as number 3.

5. There is no definite language in the law that states that on-site supervision is the requirement.
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No. 2
Old Sep 16, 2008, 05:21 PM

Default Re: LPN scope of practice in Michigan
Thanks for the reply. I know that some LTCF's require NAPNES certification before they will even hire a new LPN, so apparently this might be optional?...

Being that I've received no formal IV training, I do not feel comfortable flushing PICC lines, manipulating drip rates, etc. Granted, I'm getting exposure to that during my clinical time right now, but that is as a 'student', not an 'LPN'.

I'll be sure to post an update when I talk to the BON tomorrow.

Thanks again!
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No. 3
from Sirena922
Old Sep 17, 2008, 06:55 AM

Default Re: LPN scope of practice in Michigan
Welcome Happy, where did you go for your LPN and what school are you attending now for your RN?
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No. 4
Old Sep 29, 2008, 03:27 PM

Default Re: LPN scope of practice in Michigan
I am currently attending Mott CC for my ADN.

I'll be finished on Dec 18th!!!
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